Pass or Fail: Twitter’s Reality TV Plans

In an effort to capitalize on its increased attention, Twitter has agreed to a TV deal with Reveille Productions and Brillstein Entertainment Partners. And not just any TV series, friends, a REALITY TV series (cue the hallelujah chorus). I think we’ve all had this void in our life, and in our TV lineups in particular, that was missing something . . . something AMAZING. The Twitter reality TV show is just that.

Who wouldn’t want to see people stalk celebrities via Twitter? What’s that you say? You can already see people stalking celebrities on Twitter by simply visiting twitter.com? Blasphemy! This has number one TV rankings written all over it.

For those of you having a hard time picking up on my sarcasm, I think this is a mega FAIL for Twitter. Not only will it cement Twitter as shallow in the public’s eye, but they won’t be able to handle the increased traffic. Twitter hasn’t even been able to handle the Oprah effect, how will it handle any additional traffic this show sends its way?

There are plenty of sayings akin to “You are what you wear” or “You are what you eat“. If Twitter’s growth is driven by the entertainment industry, that’s what Twitter will become: a tool for the entertainment industry. Maybe there isn’t a problem with that, but I’m not sure that’s what Twitter had in mind and I’m pretty sure, based on the reactions to the news, that it’s not what Twitter’s most passionate users want either.

That is the exact reaction I expect from the majority of Twitter users. Let’s not make this MySpace 2.0—or are we too late?

http://twitter.com/kid_disco CK Chung

There is no official Twitter TV show—although if there were it would be fun to cast! In dealing with networks and production companies we sometimes have simple agreements. Regarding the Reveille and Brillstein project reported today, we have a lightweight, non-exclusive, agreement with the producers which helps them move forward more freely.

I think the contract may be just one of those “if we do it” type of contracts. I don't know at this point if it would be a good idea I think it really would depend on the format but it would be tough. I think Twitter gets enough air time between all of the news networks, Oprah, and random mentions to do well. The main thing right now with Twitter is they must have a way to monetize their network and also find a way to keep it interesting for the average user. Yes I think internet marketers will stay on Twitter for awhile as it gives good traffic but for the average user there is much noise about it gets pretty boring after awhile since they see no indirect benefits like marketers.

http://ariwriter.com Ari Herzog

Agreed. You don't think TV will monetize Twitter? After all, the Twitter management aren't saying no to that.

http://jessicaGottlieb.com/ Jessica Gottlieb

Having a production company interested in your show doesn't mean it'll get on TV.

Twitter can do what it feels is necessary to drive in the consumers that they are looking for. Personally, I think a Twitter reality show would be … boring. Actually, I can't think of a reality show that is actually good or worth watching (thinking specifically of a program on TLC which has gotten a lot of press lately). I can't imagine that a Twitter reality show would be any different, as far as not being boring I mean. And as for reality shows, I don't think they are all that “real” anyway, I think it is totally scripted. Anyhoo, that is just my .02 cents.

…Twitter may be exploring ways to charge businesses with Twitter accounts to connect with their customers.

gantrants

this giant mistake is being paid for as we speak. user backlash has pretty much killed the already stupid idea. But the founders are still talking about ways to expand their brand: http://www.newsy.com/videos/twee_vee_twitter_ge…they are already over-exposing themselves going commercial so early on is only going to hurt the brand